Extract from my lockdown notes 2020-2021
Category: mental health
Virtually Running Nowhere
The West Highland Way Race was my only race booked for 2020. I had been injured and needed something to keep me focused and to look forward to. I got the green light end of Jan to run the race from the physio, and by mid March I was starting to get close to pre- … Continue reading Virtually Running Nowhere
The Devil o’ the Highlands
Race review from 42 mile Devil o' the Highlands
Cold Water
Last year I entered the water on Hampstead Heath on a December dawn. I could not stand the 4-degree coldness, the pool spat me out. So, in September I decided to take to the water each weekend in attempt to soften my body to it. To open my arms, heart, stomach, liver - exposing my … Continue reading Cold Water
To Build a Home
Written in the back of a ‘colour away stress’ book is a wish list. Words across a page of black and white waves written in the winter after our first West Highland Way in 2016. Written in a cold, damp and dark rental property in Cambridge, on that list is a van. Max was in … Continue reading To Build a Home
Post race blues
Reflections post 96mile ultra on recovery and training again. Coming to terms with the long term recovery and affects of our insecure lifestyle on our physical and mental health.
Connecting People and Nature
From our own gardens to the remote highland mountains, from city parks and forest schools to the coasts, and beyond to the islands, Scotland’s nature is that of a national pride and international wonder. The Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) aims to further conserve, facilitate enjoyment and advise on sustainable management of Scotland’s nature and land. … Continue reading Connecting People and Nature
Burnout…
I have never written on here about this, but in 2011 I had glandular fever, which in itself was not much of a big deal. Unfortunately, I was unaware at the time how close to burnout I was, which meant I never recovered from the post viral fatigue and developed Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), or Myalgic … Continue reading Burnout…
Why run so far?
On my longest training run so far I had the distant and quiet thoughts of quitting. Dropping out of the WHWrace, for surely I could not succeed, or I would hurt myself trying. I cannot shut off these voices, they are natural for survival and as I get closer to the event, and deeper into … Continue reading Why run so far?
WHW Race Training… what next?
I have ended my 3 month base phase (I will post numbers in next blog entry) and I am using this first week of April as a time to reflect. This weekend I was at the Fling training camp and ran 34 miles on the course. I expected the 34miles to go well, to be … Continue reading WHW Race Training… what next?
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